I went to a British Council event a while back and there were lots of German professors of literature. About half of them were convinced I had a German sense of humour and the other half were sure it was British. They are probably still arguing about it now.

You don't really have to go anywhere in particular in New York City to have a good time. In every part of town, there's always something going on. It helps to know people there, too, because everything changes so fast, and they will be able to point out what's hot this month.

A public role endures for the literary high-command, as sages and seers, speaking out on social and political issues.

I don't take much notice of reviews now - obviously you'd like to have straight worship but you're never going to get that.

Ultimately, it's about the quality of the writing whatever style you are writing.

Most books reviews aren't very well-written. They tend to be more about the reviewer than the book.

Why is erasing desire seen as so important? If the subjugation of the self is the point of the self what's the point in having a self? It's like someone handing you a leaflet which says throw this leaflet away.